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Monday, March 31, 2014

March was a great month. Spring is coming, I got to read outside once, I read lots of books, received lots of books. My parents said that I could go on a mission trip to Romania with our Church (so excited)! This was a really busy month, and I didn't get to read as much as I would have liked, but oh well.

The Movement of Rings Goodreads Summary
A time to remember what lies deeper than one’s fears…
The Mundayne empire has seen years of prosperity under the rule of King Aud, a man of war known the world over for his ruthlessness. Naona, a high-spirited imperial servant who holds Aud’s favor, occupies herself with pulling pranks on her peers around the king’s estate, but the time for laughter spoils when the citizens of Munda begin to oppose increasing taxation. After meeting the princess of Diachona, Naona finds herself having to choose between maintaining loyalty to her king and becoming a personal ally of another nation. With the rise of unrest in Munda, can Naona’s heart survive intact: intact enough, even, for an unforeseen chance at love with a foreign man?

My Review
The Movement of Rings starts out by portraying the relations that took place during the first book in the series, The Movement of Crowns, from the perspective of Naona a Mundayne servant of the despicable King Aud (I really didn't like King Aud, he was cruel and conceited). I liked going back to the wonderful world Nadine Keels created in her first book, being able to see the other side, and get to know some new characters, while being entertained and inspired. I have to say, once again, that I was impressed with how much happens in this series of novella's. While they may be shorter, that doesn't make them any less eventful and entertaining.

I liked how Naona was so feisty, and that even after all she had been through, she still had a mostly positive outlook on life. Her witty banter and pranks were entertaining and at times humorous. Throughout the book we see her journey of finding the hope and joy that she thought she had lost. Will she be able to trust the right people and help her nation? Can she learn to love?

I look forward to reading the next book in this series, though I'm sad that it is the last.

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Week of Wonder is what I call my Weekly Wrap-up. I will link up everything that I did on my blog this week - books I read, books I reviewed, what challenges I've added to, what I'm currently reading, all my other posts, etc. I will also let you know about any upcoming events that are coming up on my blog.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Clonmac's Bridge
Clonmac's Bridge was a very intriguing mystery, with twists and turns that keep the readers mind spinning, characters that you root for one hundred percent as well as ones that you just aren't completely sure about until the end, archaeological discoveries, and more. Perren masterfully balanced mystery, archaeology, and relationships, into a very interesting read that will keep readers interested until the last page.

I love books that are set in other countries, especially ones is Europe, so I really liked that this one was set in Ireland and enjoyed some of the history and setting. The archaeological aspect of the book was very interesting and unique, and I really liked reading about Griffen and Mari's enthusiasm towards finding old treasures.

There were characters I liked, those I didn't, and those I wasn't completely sure about until the end. There were enough plot twists to keep me from figuring out all the mystery and secrets.
I would like to say more, but I don't want to spoil any of the book because that would ruin any book, especially a mystery.

I received this book from the author, for free, in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday is a fun meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where we pick the top ten things that we choose for the topic of the week. This week I'm going to keep it short and sweet, because I am behind on my review pile!
Topic - Top Ten Things On My Bookish Bucket List (could be blogging related, book related etc. -- meeting authors, reading x many books per year, finishing a daunting book, etc.)

1. I would love to meet or interview at least one of my favorite authors. There are so many authors that I like so much, I would probably fangirl (at least in my head), and be nervous. It would be like meeting or talking to a famous celebrity. So awesome!2. It would be really great to meet a fellow book blogger.3. I want to have more guest posts, excerpts, cover reveals, interviews, etc.4. I want to read more paperback books. I love paperback books, the only problem is that ebooks are cheaper.5. I want to get back to going to the actual Library instead of getting ebooks.6. Reach my goal of reading 100 books (or more), and stay caught up with review books7. Review books that I read before I started blogging.8. Get a signed book.9. Stay caught up with my review pile.10. Read while in another country and at least two states that I have never been to before.What's on your reading bucket list? Do we have anything in common?

Monday, March 24, 2014

So sorry guys! I didn't have time to go back and link the last two posts from last week to my Week of Wonder Post that went out yesterday. I'll try really hard not to let it happen again. I haven't had as much time to read lately as I normally do, but I hope to get some reviews and posts scheduled in advance soon.

Romania Update

Those of you that follow my blog might have already heard about this. But you haven't heard...

It's pretty much definite now!!!! As long as I can raise enough money and find a guardian I get to go on the mission trip to Romania with a group of people at my church. I am so excited! I really feel called by God to go to Romania this summer and help spread the word of God and grow in my faith, a piece of my heart is already with the people there.

We will most likely be working with children and teens, which I'm really excited about because I am good with children. It will be a totally different experience than teaching the two-year old class at church or helping with the three to five-year old class.

We (especially my parents) were really relieved that the issues with Russia and Ukraine are not a concern to Romanians at all and that there is clean water. It will be a 20-25 hour flight, and I'm really nervous about that. I've only flown once, and that was to Florida when I was little. I still remember it, and it wasn't bad at all, but since then I have developed a fear of planes so I will definitely need to hand my fears over to God and trust him to take care of us all.

You'll probably hear about this many more times, but that's all for now!

This Week

I really hope to get a couple reviews out this week, as well as get some TTT's, WoW's, scheduled in advance, and reviews scheduled for next week. And maybe the week after??

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Week of Wonder is what I call my Weekly Wrap-up. I will link up everything that I did on my blog this week - books I read, books I reviewed, what challenges I've added to, what I'm currently reading, all my other posts, etc. I will also let you know about any upcoming events that are coming up on my blog.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Falling Behind on Friday is a meme hosted by Moira the Fates book reviews, where we share a book that has been sitting on our shelves waiting to be read, or has been on your wishlist for a while.

Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter
The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan-an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers that months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie's summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It's a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

The Gallagher Girls series is a very intriguing series that I enjoyed reading very much. I read the first four books last summer, and for some reason never finished the series. I really must read the rest of this series soon, I'm very curious to find out what happens!

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Catalyst Goodreads SummaryFor centuries, the kingdom of Alexandria has protected Northern Shala from the monstrous creatures lurking in the Wastelands. Now, a dark force threatens that fragile peace.

Far from home, Alexandria’s princess is abducted. When a young villager named Hellsfire stumbles upon her and her captors, he rushes in to rescue her, alone and unarmed. His fear and fury unleash an uncontrollable magical force that grants him the power to save the princess—and change the world.

Hellsfire has never craved nor dreamed of power. But such magic as he now possesses has not been seen in Northern Shala for a thousand years, since the devastation of the War of the Wizards and the creation of the Wastelands.

Now Hellsfire must leave all he’s ever known, and make a dangerous journey to learn to master this wild, ferocious power—power he knows he is not ready to wield. More difficult still, he needs to master his emotions. If he can’t, the power will consume him, Alexandria will fall, and darkness will eclipse the land, destroying everyone he loves.

In the dead of cold, the spark shall burn...

My ReviewWhile this book is different from what I normally read, I enjoyed it. I must say that I never completely got used to the main characters name, Hellsfire, but I could get past it (thankfully it's not like what it at first sounds).

The world and characters were very well created. I enjoyed reading about the magic, wizards, elves, and dwarves. I really enjoyed the details and information about the magic in this book. Each character added more to the journey, and provided something essential to the book as a whole.

The journey that Hellsfire went through was filled with magic, adventure, learning, meeting new friends, and danger. He went from a boy being bullied, to the wizard that he had become by the end of the book. Master Stradus was a very good teacher and friend to him, and he really helped Hellsfire become the best wizard that he could be. Hellsfire's struggle to control his emotions was very intriguing and something that I can relate to (though not completely to that extent, I mean fire doesn't come out of my hands). I really liked his determination and courage to do the right thing even when it put him and, sometimes those he loved, in danger.

Krystal was a very strong character. I loved her determination and ability to stay strong even when all the odds were against her, to protect her kingdom, her people, and her father.

Overall this book had a lot of action, details, and good characters that were willing to risk everything for the greater good. It ended as a cliff hanger, though, and leaves readers wanting more

I received this for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect opinion in any way.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Rebel Belle Goodreads SummaryHarper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him--and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

Why I'm WaitingRebel Belle sounds like a very intriguing book. I love mysterious books, and an ancient line of guardians with ability, super strength, and lethal fighting instincts, not to mention a prophecy, definitely meets that. Great banter is something that I love in all good books, so I hope it lives up to that like it says in the description! To top it all off cotillion dresses, magic, and that reporter guy? I can't wait to get my hands on this book!

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday is a fun meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where we pick the top ten things that we choose for the topic of the week.
Topic - Top Ten Books on my Spring 2014 TBR List

I'm so excited for Spring. All the flowers, warmness, and being able to be out side? Can't wait. I've been pining for my favorite outside reading spots all winter!
There are so many books coming out this spring that I can't wait for. Here are the first ten I could think of/find!

Season of Wonder by Lisa Tawn Bergren

I am so excited for this book! I love Lisa Tawn Bergrens writing, and she is one of my favorite authors. I've been waiting for this book for a long, long,long time.

Circle of Spies by Roseanna M. White

I loved the first two books and two novellas in this series. It's sad that this is the last one, but they are so good, so I can't wait to read it.

The One by Kiera Cass

I need to know how this series ends. I'm waiting to read Elite unitl it's closer to the time that The One comes out. Hurry up.

Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer

I have read and loved a few of Karen Witemeyer's books. This one sounds very interesting and exciting, and I can't wait to read it.

Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae

Italy! Italian boys! exploring! Rome, Pompeii! Only six words, and this book already sounds interesting.

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Mention of incredible abilities, destiny, guardian, mysterious?! Count me in! This book sounds so intriguing, and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Royally Lost by Angie Stanton

I've been thinking that this book sound really interesting and sweet ever since I saw it a couple of months ago. Europe, undercover Prince, adventure? What more could we ask for to make this book sound more interesting?

The Chapel Wars by Lindsey Leavitt

This book sounds like a fun and sweet read.

My Farie Lady by Laura Wettersten

This book sounds very interesting. I mean, a Renaissance Faire? Please!

Everyday Angel by Victoria Schwab

Angels, and finding yourself. It sounds good and possibly inspiring.

These are some of my most anticipated spring 2014 reads! What are yours?

Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy St. Patrick's Day! (Yes I am wearing green!) Since today is St. Patrick's Day and it's all about Ireland, I thought that I would share the books that I have read that are set in Ireland or have Irish characters in them. Soooo, without further ado

Here are my Irish books

Irish Books on my TBR List (for a while)

Sorry guys. I'm kind of disappointed that there aren't more, but that's all I found. I really wish there were more books set in Ireland, it's such an interesting setting! Any recommendations?

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Week of Wonder is what I call my Weekly Wrap-up. I will link up everything that I did on my blog this week - books I read, books I reviewed, what challenges I've added to, what I'm currently reading, all my other posts, etc. I will also let you know about any upcoming events that are coming up on my blog.

Up Next
(in no particular order and subject to change)
Clonmacs Bridge by Jeffrey Perren
Catalyst by Marc Johnson
The Movement of Rings by Nadine C. Keels
When I'm With You by Cecilia Gray
Suddenly You by Cecilia Gray
Death is Overrated by Jeffrey Perren
Cossacks in Paris by Jeffrey Perren
Luminary by Krista McGee
Elite by Kiera Cass
Swipe by Kathy Reichs and Brendan Reichs
List so far for this month! The first half of this list is from requests and Netgalley and the last three are what I have bought.

Friday, March 14, 2014

The Movement of CrownsGoodreads SummaryAt the point when kingdoms’ ideas of humanity differ…The nation of Diachona is celebrating the twentieth birthday and rite of passage for Constance, the Diachonian king’s daughter and heir. Yet, the pause for festivity doesn’t erase collective doubts about Constance’s aspiration for a place with the men on the National Council, nor does it eliminate fears roused by oppressive threats from a neighboring, powerful empire. Amid increasing rumors of war and personal misgivings about her own future, Constance deems this an inopportune time to be falling in love with one Commander Alexander. Will Providence keep them all through international tensions and the changing of times, or is Diachona watching its territory in vain?

My ReviewThe Movement of Crowns was amazing! Nadine Keels has a phenomenal skill of creating, describing, and bringing to life Diachona and all of the characters present in this book; as well as bringing about many plot twists, information, and emotional feelings, even though it was only 116 pages long!

Constance was very strong emotionally, and so determined to be a part of the Council. I liked how a lot of the book emphasized her determination and work towards that while still having a relationship with Commander Alexander, and being there for her family.

Staid Alexander and Constance had been friends since childhood, and their feelings for each other grew. They were both very smart and kind, and wanted what was best for the kingdom. Their conversations made me smile, though they were short considering the length of the novella. Though more would have been nice, it still had the same effect and wasn't really necessary.

This was an amazing and intriguing story of a young woman's coming of age journey of faith, hope, determination, and more. It's a must read for all historical fiction fans as well as anyone that wants a shorter story that has everything that a novel has, and definitely one that I would be willing to read again!

I look forward to reading more by Nadine C. Keels in the future!

I would like to thank the author whom I received this book from in exchange for an honest review. This did not change my opinion in any way.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

So Into YouGoodreads Summary
Sweet and sensible Ellie hasn't met a problem her mom's yoga mantras can't fix. But when Ellie's parents threaten to pull her from the Academy just as her flirtation with the cutest boy in school heats up, will Ellie be able to keep her cool?

The last thing that the girls at the elite Jane Austen Academy need is guys. But over the summer the school has been sold, and like it or not, the guys are coming. And they're about to turn the Academy—and the lives of its students—totally upside down...

Dive into the fabulous, fun lives of six Academy girls as their friendships are tested, torn and ultimately triumph.

My Review
So Into You is the second book in Cecilia Gray's wonderful series of modern Jane Austin retellings. I loved the first book and was not disappointed in this one; it was a great retelling of Sense and Sensibility!

I really liked that the same characters were present in this book that were in Fall for You, so we got to learn a little more about all of them. Their friendships and relationships grew throughout this book as they met more people, worked through problems, discovered more secrets, and more. These friends are always there for each other and ready to fight for what they believe in, which is something I really like in a character.

The main character in So Into You was Ellie, and she was very sweet, smart, and skilled at hiding her feelings. She was very responsible. She would have to be, considering that she had to pay her parents bills half of the time. When her parents move to Guatemala and want her to move with them, what will Ellie do?

The only problem I had with this book was that it could have been a little longer and included more details, but it wasn't a huge issue.

You should read this book if you like sweet romances and great friendships that are strong enough to last through anything. Or if you just like Jane Austin!

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not change my opinion in any way.

Circle of SpiesGoodreads Summary
This exciting and adventurous romantic spy novel is the third book in the Culper Ring series from Roseanna M. White. Circle of Spies combines fascinating cloak-and-dagger secrets with a tale of love and intrigue at the end of the Civil War.

Baltimore, 1865--Marietta Hughes never wanted to be a spy...but espionage is thrust upon her as the War Between the States rolls on. Unbeknownst to her, a Confederate secret society bent on destroying the Union she loves has been meeting in her basement. When she discovers the plots and papers covering her walls, she feels as though she is losing her world.

Slade Osborne, an undercover Pinkerton agent, is determined to do whatever is necessary to help end the conflict between the North and the South. When he infiltrates this secret cell, it isn't just their inner workings that baffle him--it's the beautiful woman who seems to be a puppet for the new leader and yet...somehow not an enemy of the Union.

Can he trust her? Will she trust him? Will their shared faith sustain them? And can Marietta and Slade stymie the enemy long enough without being discovered to see their beloved country reunited?

Why I'm Waiting for April 1
I have read and loved the last two books in Roseanna M. Whites Culper Ring series. It has mystery, intrigue, and so much more. They were so interesting and entertaining, and I learned a lot of history from them. I can't wait for this one to come out!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday is a fun meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, where we pick the top ten things that we choose for the topic of the week.
Topic - Top Ten Favorite Books in X Genre (you pick the genre)
Genre I picked - YA Historical Fiction

I love historical fiction, it takes me to another time period, and lets me see what life used to be like. It's not boring in any way, like history class is at times, and what better way to see it than through a book? Besides, I just felt like doing this genre!
You can say that I have issues, but if there are any books that are in the same series or by the same author, I am putting them together!

River of Time series by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Sweeter than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund (also Exile)

Secret Letters by Leah Scheier

The Merchants Daughter, The Healers Apprentice, The Fairest Beauty, The Captive Maiden, all by Melanie Dickerson